In this Legend Series episode of The Practice Podcast, Brett Amron and Jeff Bast sit down with John Kozyak, co-founder of Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton. Known nationally as a bet-the-company litigator and restructuring lawyer, Kozyak reflects on a career shaped by risk, mentorship, and an unwavering willingness to create opportunity where none existed.
From knocking on office doors in downtown Miami in the 1970s to building one of the most respected litigation and bankruptcy firms in the country, Kozyak’s story is a masterclass in persistence, leadership, and purpose.
Key Takeaways from the Conversation
Starting with Nothing but Initiative
Kozyak’s entry into the legal profession was anything but traditional. As a law student, he flew to Miami with a stack of resumes and literally knocked on law firm doors looking for work. That initiative landed him a summer position that ultimately shaped his entire career.
His approach was simple but powerful:
- Show up.
- Ask directly for opportunities.
- Make it difficult for people to say no.
That willingness to act created momentum long before formal recruiting processes existed.
The Leap to Entrepreneurship
In 1982, Kozyak and two partners took the risk of starting their own firm during a period of economic uncertainty and high interest rates.
At the time:
- He had a young family.
- Mortgage rates were above 14%.
- The new firm had only three lawyers and limited resources.
Despite the risks, the firm quickly gained traction through strong litigation work and strategic bankruptcy matters. One early case from Citibank helped establish the firm’s reputation in restructuring and insolvency work.
Seizing Opportunity in Bankruptcy Law
Kozyak positioned himself early in bankruptcy and restructuring law by attending a specialized program shortly after the Bankruptcy Code was enacted in 1979.
That decision gave him:
- Early exposure to a developing practice area
- Access to national legal networks
- A chance to build credibility among leading practitioners
It was a calculated move that helped define his career trajectory.
Mentorship as a Professional Responsibility
Beyond litigation success, Kozyak’s legacy includes a deep commitment to mentorship and diversity in the legal profession.
He co-founded the Kozyak Minority Mentoring Foundation, which has connected thousands of minority students with judges and lawyers across South Florida.
The goal was simple:
Create access to relationships and opportunities that many aspiring lawyers would not otherwise have.
Many alumni of the program have gone on to become judges, partners, and leaders in the profession.
Leadership Lessons from Decades in Practice
Throughout the conversation, several consistent leadership themes emerge:
Create your own opportunities.
Kozyak built his career by actively pursuing relationships and openings others overlooked.
Mentorship multiplies impact.
Helping others succeed ultimately strengthens the entire profession.
Take calculated risks.
Launching a firm during uncertain economic times required confidence and long-term vision.
Show up with purpose.
Networking only works when you approach it with intention.
Advice for the Next Generation of Lawyers
Kozyak offers a straightforward message for young lawyers seeking mentorship or career direction:
- Do not wait for opportunities to come to you.
- Attend events and engage with people intentionally.
- Introduce yourself and ask thoughtful questions.
- Build relationships early.
In his words, the most important step is simple:
Go knock on doors.
About the Guest
John Kozyak is the co-founder of Kozyak Tropin & Throckmorton and a nationally recognized trial lawyer. Over his career he has represented clients in high-stakes litigation, complex bankruptcies, and major receiverships.
He is also an author, lecturer, and longtime advocate for mentorship and diversity within the legal profession.
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